Intraocular Pressure (IOP): The Key Risk Factor in Glaucoma

Awareness and detection are crucial for maintaining your vision. While treating patients at the Eye Care Clinic, Lucknow, we have witnessed a considerable number of patients who are not aware of a silent and potent killer of eyesight - glaucoma. One of the greatest fear factors in the development and progression of glaucoma is Intraocular Pressure (IOP).

What is Intraocular Pressure?

Intraocular pressure which also known as IOP is the fluid pressure that present within human eye. The eye normally produces the fluid called "aqueous humor" which flows through the eye and drains out through a system called the trabecular meshwork. When fluid fails to drain in a usual manner, it collects causing increasing fluid pressure.

Why is IOP Important in Glaucoma?

The collection of disorders known as glaucoma are caused by damage to the optic nerve, which is the cord that connects your eyes and brain. There are quite a few different types of glaucoma, but the fact remains high intraocular pressure is the most important, and easily controlled modifiable risk factor.

High IO pressure is physically stressful to the optic nerve fibers which will lead to gradually, irreversible vision loss, mostly unnoticed until it is too late, which is why glaucoma is referred to as the “silent” thief of sight.

Normal vs High IOP

• Normal IOP typically falls between 10 and 21 mmHg (millimeters of mercury).
• Ocular Hypertension is IOP of over 21 mmHg without optic nerve damage (yet).
• Glaucoma is high IOP with optic nerve damage and/or visual field loss.

Importantly, some patients can have glaucoma with normal IOP (called normal-tension glaucoma) and some patients can have high IOP and never develop the disease.

How Do We Measure IOP?

At The Eye Care Clinic, we have many ways to measure IOP. All are safe and non-invasive. The methods we use include:
• Goldmann applanation tonometry (the gold standard);
• Non-contact tonometry (this is the "air puff" test);
• Rebound tonometry (ideal for children and sensitive patients).

Regular eye exams make it easy to get an accurate IOP. They also allow us to measure IOP regularly to monitor and look for changes in IOP that may warrant investigation of glaucoma.

IOP Control Is Important to Preserve Vision

If you are at risk, controlling IOP the only way to prevent glaucoma or to slow down the disease process.Management options include:

• Prescription eye drops that promote drainage or reduce fluid production;
• Oral medications
• Laser treatments such as SLT (Selective Laser Trabeculoplasty)
• Surgical procedures to create new drainage pathways.

Who Needs to Have Regular Check-ups?

You should have visual field checks if you come under any of the following categories:
• Are aged over 40
• Have a history of glaucoma in your family
• Are diabetic or have hypertension
• Have an eye injury
• Have taken long-term corticosteroid treatment

Schedule your Eye Pressure Test in Lucknow

Getting your eye condition detected early can ensure your vision is preserved. At The Eye Care Clinic, Lucknow, we conduct extensive eye examinations including IOP tests and glaucoma assessments. If you just need a routine check or are worried about your eye health, our specialists ophthalmologists will help.